Minister killed in bomb blast

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 07 June 2000, 08:56 GMT]Sri Lanka's Minister of Industries C.V.Gooneratne was killed in a bomb blast in Golumadama Junction, Galle Road, Ratmalana, about 15 km. south of Colombo, around 2 p.m. today police said. Initial reports said at least 20 others, including Deputy Mayor of Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia, were killed and 27 others were wounded in the explosion. The Mayor of Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia was seriously injured in the blast.

The explosion occurred as Sri Lankan Government observed its first 'War Heroes day' in several parts of the island today to honour the members of the armed services and the police.

The Minister was leading a parade in Ratmalana in connection with 'War Heroes Day', when the blast occurred. The police said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber.